Heart of the Silk Road

Odyssey World MD, Felicia was invited by Kazakhstan Tourism and Astana Air to explore this fascinating country, gateway to the Silk Road. The 9th largest land mass country in the world, this is a huge country, with drastically diverse landscapes and climates. Spring and Autumn are beautiful and as the country develops its tourism offering, there are many things to enjoy.

Felicia describes her brief visit: “The charming southern city of Almaty was our main base where we enjoyed spotless, wide, tree-lined streets, cosmopolitan restaurants, mountainous surrounds, pretty parks and plenty of buzz. Within an hour, you can be riding a ski gondola above the clouds or a cable car up to the hills. Venture a little further afield and the Almaty region offers spectacular red rock canyons, gorgeous lakes and rural retreats”.

Explore Kazakhstan as a worthy standalone destination or combine with Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan to get a real feel for the traditions, history and progress that developed from one of the world’s most important trading routes. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to admire the untouched splendour of the country’s national parks, such as Altyn-Emel and the Aktau Mountains, which boast vibrant, multi-coloured hills, while the more adventurous may explore Charyn Canyon, with its dramatic and expansive landscapes.

Discover the futuristic architecture of the capital city, Astana, and journey into the country’s political heart. Stroll through the impressive Nurzhol Boulevard, visit the iconic Bayterek Tower for panoramic views, and marvel at the unique design of the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre, a vast tent-like structure housing shops, restaurants, and even an indoor beach.

Another pleasant surprise in the country may be a visit to the southern city of Turkestan. Around the impressive Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a tourism-friendly new world has emerged from the barren surrounds. Shops, restaurants, stylish hotels, entertainment attractions and a very modern museum now surround the ancient sites. Reminiscent of the new Diriyah Gate development in Riyadh, or turn of the century Dubai, ‘Karavan Saray’ is primed to attract religious and cultural tourists from all over the world. It’s always fascinating to see how once-overlooked countries are sending their invites to the overcrowded tourism world, and the combination of natural beauty, cultural significance and ancient traditions makes Kazakhstan definitely a destination to consider.

If you would like to find out more about our upcoming Kazakhstan offerings, feel free to email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or call us directly (+44 117 313 7070)! Alternatively, check out our Kazakhstan destination page which is currently in the process of being updated – soon, there will be an array of diverse offerings!